Part I - Design & Operation of the Short Path ThermalDesorption System (This Page)

By David J. Manura

Figure 1 - The Short Path Thermal Desorption System,
Model TD1.1999

INTRODUCTION

A new accessory for the thermal desorption and direct thermal analysis
of samples into a Gas Chromatograph (GC) has just been introduced by Scientific
Instrument Services, Inc. (S.I.S.) This new instrument is the combined
effort of Scientific Instrument Services, Inc. and Rutgers University,
Center for Advanced Food Technology (CAFT), who have jointly applied for
a patent on the Short Path Thermal Desorption System and technique. The
Short Path Thermal Desorption System is currently being manufactured in
the facilities of S.I.S. and is being shown at the March 1991 Pittsburgh
Conference in Chicago.

The technique of Short Path Thermal Desorption involves the desorption
of volatile and semi-volatile organics collected on adsorbent resins in
a small sample tube directly into the injection port of the Gas Chromatograph.
By making the transfer path as short as possible, the maximum sample size
is delivered to the GC, samples are not lost or destroyed in hot transfer
lines, and no memory effects occur due to contamination of transfer lines
from previous samples. The technique and original design were developed
by Dr. Thomas Hartman of Rutgers University, Center for Advanced Food Technology.

An alternate method of analysis using the Short Path Thermal Desorption
System is called Direct Thermal Analysis. This technique permits the analysis
of low moisture content samples which have been placed directly in the
Glass Lined Stainless Steel (GLT) Desorption Tubes. Samples, as spices,
paint chips, packaging films, pharmaceuticals, pine needles, and fibers,
can be analyzed directly using this technique. Water vapor must be minimized
since it will condense and plug the GC column. Alternatively, adsorbent
materials such as Tenax®, Carbowax¨, Porapak¨ or Carbotrap¨
can be used for high moisture containing samples.

The technique of Short Path Thermal Desorption has been developed to
permit the analysis of organic compounds present in air or compounds which
can be easily purged from solid and liquid samples. Samples, as volatile
and semi-volatile organics in air, flavors and fragrances in foods and
cosmetics, manufacturing chemical residues in pharmaceuticals, volatiles
in packaging materials and building products, and aromatic residues in
Forensic arson samples, are just a few of the applications for which this
technique has been utilized. Additionally, the technique has been applied
for specific applications such as the detection of benzene and chlorinated
hydrocarbons in food and other manufactured products, the identification
of natural occurring insect repellents in plants, the identification of
flavors in black pepper and other spices, and the identification of volatile
contaminants in commercial shipping containers. The technique eliminates
the need for solvent extractions in many analysis.

Theory of Operation

Figure 2 - The Short Path Thermal Desorption, Theory
of Operation

Samples to be analyzed are collected on GLT Desorption Tubes containing
an adsorbent resin such as: Tenax® TA or activated carbon. When ready
for analysis, the GLT Desorption Tubes are fitted with a syringe needle
and attached to the Desorption Unit (Figure # 2). This permits the trapped
samples to be heated by the Desorption Tube Heater Blocks, desorbed from
the adsorbent resin and injected directly into the injection port of a
GC, GC/MS or GC/FTIR via the shortest path possible, i.e. direct injection
into the GC much like a syringe. The GC column, either capillary or packed,
is normally maintained at subambient temperatures (or at a low enough temperature
to retain any samples at the front of the GC column) during the initial
desorbing of the sample into the GC. This enables the desired components
to be collected in a narrow band on the front of the GC column over a long
period of time (5 to 15 minutes). As an alternative to cryofocusing, the
same effect can be achieved by using a thick film capillary column or a
packed column with a high loading capacity. These are available at numerous
chromatography houses. When the sample has been fully desorbed into the
GC column, temperature programing is commenced to volatilize the organics
and to elute and separate them into the desired components.

The Short Path Thermal Desorption System provides several unique advantages
over other desorption type systems:

First, it enables the sample, which is trapped in an adsorbent media
contained in a GLT Desorption Tube, to be subjected to rapid heating.

Second, the desorbed component can be easily and efficiently transferred
into the injection port of the gas chromatograph from a glass lined stainless
steel sample tube and its associated injection needle. This provides for
a short transfer path for the sample in an inert environment to minimize
the degradation of labile sample components which often decompose upon
contact with the hot catalytic metal wall surfaces of the transfer path
of other systems.

Third, each sample has its own individual adsorbent trap tube and needle
to eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination from sample to sample,
thus preventing any Òmemory effectÓ due to overloading of
the sample in the GLT Desorption Tube or due to residues from previous
samples.

The Short Path Thermal Desorption System consists of two modules, i.e.
an Electronic Control Unit and the Desorption Unit (Figure # 1).

The Thermal Desorption Unit sits directly over the GC injection port.
The septum nut of the GC slips into a groove in the bottom plate of the
Desorption Unit to correctly align the system for injection. No mounting
hardware, screws or bolts are required to install the Desorption System.
On some GCÕs, it may be necessary to add an accessory plate around
the injection port to provide a stable base on which the Desorption Unit
can sit. The septum nut groove and the weight of the unit hold the Desorption
Unit in place during injection and analysis of samples. The Desorption
Unit can be easily lifted off the injection port of the GC for conventional
injection of samples via syringe or autosamplers, and can be easily slipped
back onto the GC injection port nut for desorbing samples into the injection
system.

The Electronics Console connects to the Desorption Unit via a single
electronics cable. The Electronics Console contains the temperature controller,
digital timer, and switches to control the heating and cooling of the Desorption
Tube, providing for the injection of the Desorption Tube into the GC, and
controls the carrier gas flow through the Desorption Tube.

Description of Desorption Unit

The Thermal Desorption Unit (Figure # 3) is designed as a compact self
contained injection system and Desorption System that mounts directly over
the GC injection port. The air powered Autoinjector permits the user to
inject the Desorption Tube with needle attached into the GC injection port
by means of a switch on the Electronics Console. The Desorption Tube with
syringe needle is attached to the Autoinjector Assembly and carrier gas
flows through the Desorption Tube and needle continuously when activated
by the appropriate switch on the Electronics Console. The carrier gas flow
through the Desorption Tube is regulated by a Flow Controller Valve mounted
on the top of the Desorption Unit. The flow can be monitored by either
a two ball rotameter mounted on the right side of the Desorption Unit or
via a pressure gauge mounted on the left side. The rotameter enables the
measurement of carrier gas flows between 1 and 120 ml/min. The pressure
gauge permits the measurement of carrier gas pressures at the top of the
Desorption Tube between 0 and 60 psi. The viewport at the front bottom
of the Desorption Unit permits the easy viewing of the injection port and
Desorption Tube when injected and also provides for cooling of the Desorption
Tube when the desorption heater block is not activated. It can be easily
viewed that the syringe needle is proceeding properly into the GC injection
port and that the Desorption Unit is properly aligned.

Figure 3 - The Short Path Thermal Desorption Unit Components

The Desorption Unit is designed as a compact system with a wide variety
of components built into the Desorption Unit Case (Figure # 3). The Carrier
Gas Flow System inside the Desorption Cabinet consists of an air valve,
a flow controller, a pressure gauge, and a two-ball rotameter. The Autoinjecting
System consists of an air valve, an Autoinjector Air Slide Column, and
assembly block. The Desorbing System consists of an air valve, an air solenoid,
and the Heater Block Assembly. In addition, a cooling fan maintains the
temperature inside the cabinet and a heat overload thermostat provides
protection from system overheating.

The drawings in Figure # 4 show the Desorption Unit with the
sides, top and front plates removed to provide a visual representation
of the operation of the Desorption Unit.

Figure 4 - The Short Path Thermal Desorption Unit Mechanism

When ready to be analyzed, a syringe needle is attached to the Desorption
Tube which is then attached to the Connector Tube on the Autoinjector Assembly
of the Desorption Unit (LOAD POSITION). The carrier gas through the Desorption
Unit is turned on at the Electronics Console and the flow through the Desorption
Tube is adjusted via the flow controller, rotameter and/or the pressure
gauge.

The Electronics Console is activated to inject the Desorption Tube with
needle attached (INJECTING). The Desorption Tube will pass through the
opening in the middle plate of the Desorption Unit base to position the
Desorption Tube in proper alignment with the GC injection port and the
normally open Desorption Block Assembly.

When injection is complete (INJECTION COMPLETE), the flows are readjusted
as required by the method of analysis, i.e. split/splitless, etc. In this
position, the sample is not being desorbed into the GC since the Heating
Block is not in contact with the Desorption Tube. The temperature of the
tube remains close to room temperature due to the action of the cooling
fan, which pulls in room air from the front of the Desorption Unit, thru
the view port and across the Desorption Tube. Carrier gas flows, desorption
temperatures, and GC parameters can be adjusted as required.

The desorption process can then be commenced by activating the desorption
switch on the Electronics Console (HEAT & DESORB). This actuates an
air valve which delivers air to the air powered solenoid and moves the
hinged heating blocks from the open to the closed position around the Desorption
Tube. The Desorption Tube will rapidly heat up to the set temperature.
The combination of the heat applied and the carrier gas flow through the
Desorption Tube will drive the desired components into the GC injection
port and onto the front of the GC column.

The various parameters are set and utilized according to the application
requirements. Normally desorption temperatures between 70 degrees C and
250 degrees C are suitable for most applications. The maximum desorption
temperature permissible with the system is 350 degrees C. The air fan in
the base of the Desorption Unit provides for continuing air circulation
in the Desorption Unit base. This maintains the temperature at the air
solenoid on the back base of the Desorption Unit to less than 60 degrees
C. This fan also can permit the Desorption Tube to remain cool or to be
cooled when the Desorption Tube with attached needle is left in the down
or engaged position and the desorption blocks are left in the open position.
In addition, a heat overload thermostat is located on the back of the Desorption
Unit base to protect the Desorption Unit from overheating. This thermostat
is wired in series with the cartridge heaters. In the event the temperature
at the thermostat exceeds 60 degrees C, the circuit will be opened and
the heater blocks will no longer be heated until the temperature inside
the Desorption Unit falls below this temperature level. Normal desorption
times vary from 3 minutes to 15 minutes; however, longer desorption times
up to 100 minutes can be performed and are quite acceptable. Since the
column is normally maintained at subambient temperatures, the desorbed
compounds of interest are trapped on the front of the GC column in a narrow
band. Despite the long desorption times, the peaks eluted from the column
are extremely sharp and well resolved. Carrier flow thru the Desorption
Tube can be accurately adjusted from 1.0 ml/min to 120 ml/min using the
two ball rotameter depending on the application, i.e. 1.0 ml/min for direct
splitless analysis and 100 ml/min for split methods permitting split ratios
of 1 to 100.

The use of the Autoinjector, which is controlled by the Electronics
Console, permits the injection and removal of the needle assembly from
the GC injection port without physically handling the Desorption Tube during
the injection process. This is quite important, since the Desorption Tube
is often at 250 degrees or higher temperatures after the sample has been
desorbed. If the Desorption Tube and needle are left in the GC injection
port with the Desorption Tube Heater Blocks left in the open position,
the Desorption Tube will also cool in this position. This occurs due to
the forced flow of air by the cooling fan in the base of the Desorption
Unit.

Heater Block Operation

The Desorption Block Assembly is constructed of two coacting precision
formed aluminum heating blocks which have hinged sections that enable the
heating blocks to be pivotally connected to each other about a brass hinge
pin (Figure # 5). The heating blocks are formed and precision machined
from solid blocks of aluminum which have a high coefficient of heat transfer
so the Desorption Block Assembly can be quickly heated and cooled during
operation of the Short Path Thermal Desorption Unit.

Each of the heating blocks is provided with a conventional 150 watt
resistance cartridge heater which are longitudinally inserted in each of
the aluminum heating blocks (Figure # 5). The heating cartridge
in the aluminum heating blocks are in relatively close proximity to the
Desorption Tube to permit accurate ballistic heating of the Desorption
Tube to the desired temperatures for time periods from 1 sec to 100 minutes.
This close proximity of the heating blocks to their respective resistance
heaters enables the Desorption Tube to be rapidly heated and the desired
temperature can be maintained within +/-1%. The Desorption Block Assembly
also includes a 100 ohm platinum resistance thermometer mounted in one
of the aluminum blocks which provides feedback to enable the Electronic
Controller to regulate the temperature as well as provide an accurate temperature
indication for the Desorption Block Assembly on the digital readout on
Electronics Controller.

Figure 5 - Desorption Heater Block Assembly

Carrier Gas Flow & Regulation

In the Short Path Thermal Desorption Unit, carrier gas is used for the
operation of the Injection Assembly to aid the desorption of the sample
component from the Desorption Tube. Carrier gas for this purpose preferably
will be helium or nitrogen. In no case should hydrogen be used, due to
the high temperatures and possibility of explosion.

Carrier gas from a suitable source such as: a gas pressure cylinder
with appropriate regulators, air cleaners and oxygen scrubbers delivers
clean gas to the carrier gas inlet at the back of the Desorption Unit base.
(Figure # 6) The carrier gas is then directed to a two way valve. This
valve is controlled by the carrier gas switch on the Electronics Console
which can be activated to open or close this valve.

Figure 6 - Gas Flow Schematic

The carrier gas flow regulator is utilized to adjust the flow within
the range of 1 to 120 ml/min. This high precision flow regulator is normally
equipped with a flow plug with a maximum flow capacity of 110 ml/min. Other
flow plugs for flow ranges of 10 ml/min, 25 ml/min, and 400 ml/min are
also available. The flow range is changed by unscrewing the color coded
plug from the base of the flow controller inside the Desorption Unit, and
replacing it with a new flow plug of the correct size.

A two ball rotameter is mounted on the right side of the Thermal Desorption
Unit and permits the visual indication and adjustment of the carrier gas
flow. The 150 mm long flow tube contains a glass ball for flow ranges of
0 to 30 ml/min of air and a second carboloy ball for flow ranges of 0 to
130 ml/min of air. This unique two ball design rotameter permits the accurate
measurement of flows over a wider range of flows than other single ball
rotameters. In addition, the two sided viewing permits the inspection from
both the front and side depending on the installation position of the Desorption
Unit on the GC injection port. If required other flow range tubes can be
factory installed in the Desorption Unit.

In addition to permitting the visual regulation of the carrier gas flow
thru the Desorption Unit, the rotameter is used to sense when problems
are occurring in the operation of the Desorption Unit.

For example, in the splitless mode of operation at low flows, the ball
in the rotameter normally falls down to zero upon the initial injection
of the Desorption Tube syringe into the GC injection port, but will eventually
rise back up to its set valve. This is due to the initial surge of backpressure
from the gas pressure in the GC injection port. If the rotameter continues
to read zero, it indicates that the syringe needle is probably clogged
with a plug of septa material and is restricting flow thru the syringe
assembly.

A 1.5 inch diameter, 60 psi pressure gauge is mounted on the left side
of the Desorption Unit. This gauge can be used in conjunction with the
pressure gauge on the GC injection port to regulate the operation of the
system as well as troubleshoot when problems are occurring such as leaking
seals, plugged syringes and bad septa in the GC. The pressure gauge on
the Desorption Unit measures the carrier gas pressure at the top of the
Desorption Tube. The pressure gauge on the GC measures the pressure in
the injection port and, upon injection, the pressure at the bottom of the
Desorption Tube. With expertise in the various techniques, distinctive
operating parameters will be developed with which the operator can monitor
the proper performance of the system. The pressure gauge can be substituted
with other range gauges if so desired.

Description of Electronics Console

The Electronics Console consists of a high accuracy keypad operated
Temperature Controller to regulate the temperature of the Desorption Tube
heater blocks, a digital countdown timer which controls the length of time
the sample is to be desorbed (between 1 second and 100 minutes), and several
controlling switches. The Main Power Switch controls the power to the entire
Desorption System, to the Temperature Controller, timer, and other switches.
The Heater Switch turns on the power to the heater cartridges in the Desorption
Tube heater blocks and begins their heating cycle. A Platinum Resistance
Thermometer (PRT) in the heater blocks provides for accurate (+/- 1¡)
temperature readout and also provides the feedback to the Temperature Controller
to maintain the heater block temperatures. The Carrier Gas Switch turns
on the carrier gas to permit its flow through the Desorption Tube. The
Injector Switch activates the air powered injector to inject the Desorption
Tube and needle into the GC injection port, and the Desorb Sample Switch
closes the Desorption Tube blocks around the Desorption Tube and activates
the countdown timer to heat and desorb the residues trapped on the Desorption
Tube packing into the GC.

The Electrical Schematics Drawing (Figure # 7) pictorially represents
the overall operation of the Electronics System. A 110 volt, 10 amp power
source provides the total electric power required by the Electronics Console
and Desorption Unit. This provides the power to the Temperature Controller,
timer, desorber heater cartridges and DC power supply. The DC power supply
in turn provides the power to the air valves in the Desorption Unit to
drive the Autoinjector, carrier gas, and close the desorption blocks around
the Desorption Tube. It also provides the direct power for the DC fan in
the Desorption Unit. The system is double fused. The main fuse controls
the incoming power to restrict the total input to less than 10 amps of
current. The second fuse is for the heater cartridges in the Desorption
Unit.

Figure 7 - Electrical Schematics Diagram

A single cable assembly provides the connection between the Electronics
Control and the Desorption Unit. This cable has two screw on connectors
on each end which screw into the fittings located on each of the two assemblies.
The cable can be used reversibly since the connectors on both ends are
identical. The cable contains (1) two 115 volt lines for the heater cartridges,
(2) two leads for the platinum resistance thermometer, (3) two leads for
the carrier gas air valve, (4) two leads for the cooling fan, (5) two leads
for the Autoinjector, (6) two leads for the desorb sample valve.

Temperature Control

The Temperature Controller utilized in the Electronics Console is dual
output, single input, microprocessor-based, 1/8 DIN, autotuning temperature
control. This is one of the highest quality temperature controllers on
the market.

The autotuning features of this Temperature Controller automatically
tune the heating cycle of the Desorber Control Blocks. This autotuning
feature enables the Desorption Blocks to rapidly reach the operating temperatures
required for the desorption process, but after this temperature is reached
the response rate is automatically changed to minimize temperature overshoot
and temperature cycling.

As installed in the Electronics Console of the Short Path Thermal Desorption
System, the Temperature Controller has been set up with the following values
and parameters. These values will not normally need to be changed, but
can be changed if desired.

Input Sensor - RTD (Platinum Resistance Thermometer)

Temperature Readout - three digits, no decimals - 200

Celsius - degrees C

Output 1

Temperature Range - 350 degrees C

The upper display of the Temperature Controller indicates the actual
temperature of the Desorption Tube Heater Blocks in degrees Celsius. The
lower display indicates the set temperature. To change the value of the
set temperature push the Up or Down Arrows on the Temperature Controller
until the desired value is displayed on the lower display. Within 5 minutes
or less the Desorption Tube Heater Blocks should reach this temperature
as will be indicated in the upper display.

Timer Circuit

The Digital Timer in the Electronics Console controls the amount of
time that the Desorption Heater Blocks are closed around the Thermal Desorption
Tube. This enables the system to accurately control and reproduce desorption
times without the undivided attention of the operator. The amount of time
the Desorption Blocks are to be closed is set via the thumbwheel switches
on the lower portion of the Timer. The left two digits set the time in
minutes and the right two digits set the time in seconds. The timer can
be set from 00 minutes 01 second up to 99 minutes 59 seconds. The upper
digital display on the timer counts up the elapsed time the Desorption
Blocks have been closed. The timing cycle is activated by turning on the
Desorb Sample Switch on the Electronics Controller.

The Digital Timer is capable of reading the input data at any time during
normal operation. The set time can be changed at any time during power
application. This feature sets back the output from the timer by temporarily
setting the longer time or quickens the output by setting the shorter time.

Repeat accuracy of the Digital Timer is approximately
1 to 2 milliseconds.

Figure 8 - Desorption Tubes

The Glass Lined Stainless Steel Desorption Tubes are available in two
inside diameters, i.e. 3 mm and 4 mm (Figures # 8 & #9). Each tube
is 4.0Ó long by 1/4Ó diameter and are threaded on both ends.
After conditioning and sample loading, the ends of the tubes are fitted
with stainless steel caps with seals to maintain the integrity of the medium
and sample. Standard 6mm septa seals, or the PTFE and Viton seals can
be used in the caps to make the seal. These same threads on the Desorption
Tube also provide the means of connecting the Desorption Tubes to the Desorption
Connector Tube and the injecting syringe needle utilizing the 4 types of
seals.

Samples to be analyzed are collected on GLT Desorption Tubes packed
with a porous polymer such as: Tenax® TA or activated charcoal or
a combination which has been previously packed and conditioned in the tube.
The GLT Desorption Tubes are rugged for transportability and use (unlike
other glass sample tubes). The glass lining provides for an inert surface
for your samples and can be silylated if so desired. After sample collection
the GLT Desorption Tubes are capped with stainless steel caps with PTFE
or silicone liners to maintain sample integrity during storage and transportation.
When ready for analysis, the caps are removed and a stainless steel needle
on a cap is attached to the Desorption Tube. The collected sample can then
be desorbed directly into the injection port of the GC.

Figure 9 - GLT Desorption Tubes

General Methodology

A wide variety of manufacturers and model of GCÕs are available
on which the Short Path Thermal Desorption System can be installed. These
instruments exhibit a wide spectrum of flow system designs which when combined
with the wide variety of injection techniques, such as direct injection,
split, splitless, and cool-on-column result in many different ways to operate
the Short Path Thermal Desorption System. Considerable variation in the
configuration of setup is anticipated from one instrument to another. The
type of analysis and its unique problems in analyzing, will affect the
methodology developed to analyze these samples using the Short Path Thermal
Desorption System. As a result no one methodology can be outlined to suit
all situations.

GC Carrier Flow

When the flow thru the Desorption System is passed into the injection
port of the GC, the operator must decide the fate of the normal GC carrier
gas flow. Is the GC carrier gas permitted to flow in addition to the Desorption
carrier flow, or is it to be shut off? This can affect split ratios and
the flow rate thru the GC column. After desorption is complete, is the
desorber tube and needle to remain in the injection port to provide carrier
gas flow to the GC, or should it be removed and the conventional GC carrier
gas flow be permitted to perform its normal functions for which the GC
injection flow system was designed? The design and flow patterns particular
to the specific GC model must be considered by the user in determining
the best operating parameters. In most cases there may be two or more acceptable
methods of setup.

The GC column should be capable of being cooled to subambient temperatures
of between 0 degrees C and -40 degrees C. This is required to permit the
desorbed samples to be concentrated and collected in a narrow band at the
front of the GC column or in the injection port of the GC. This can be
accomplished by using a GC equipped with subambient cooling capability
(liquid nitrogen or CO2). Temperature programing is required to enable
the system to be heated for the subsequent analysis by the GC and detector
system. Some analysis may be accomplished by collecting samples at room
temperature.

The specific GC column and temperature program employed will be dependent
on the specific compounds being analyzed. Generally, a nonpolar stationary
phase (e.g. DB1, SE-30, OV-1) temperature programmed from -30 degrees C
to 250 degrees C at 4-10 degrees /minute will be suitable. Capillary column
dimensions of 0.32mm I.D. and 60 meters long are generally appropriate
although other I.D.Õs and lengths may be sufficient in many cases.

Often a short precolumn of approximately one meter in length by 0.53mm
I.D. at the injection port end of the GC column, will help prevent the
plugging of the system by water, which is present in most samples, and
which is desorbed into the GC. The larger I.D. of this precolumn permits
a larger surface area for the sample to collect with less chance of plugging
by water vapors condensing at its end. Samples with high water content
should be avoided when possible.